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The Best Newark Airport Lounges: United Polaris, Delta Sky Club & Admirals Club Reviews
December 12, 2024
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) offers several lounges where travelers can relax away from the crowds. In this guide, we review three of Newark’s top airport lounges – United’s Polaris Lounge, Delta’s Sky Club, and American’s Admirals Club – detailing their amenities and how you can access them.
Whether you’re an international business class passenger or a casual traveler with the right credit card, we’ll show you what to expect at each lounge and how to get in affordably. Enjoy a premium pre-flight experience at Newark with the lounge that best fits your needs.
United Polaris Lounge Newark (Terminal C)
Seating inside United’s exclusive Polaris Lounge at Newark EWR, featuring upscale decor and privacy partitions. The United Polaris Lounge at EWR is the airport’s flagship luxury lounge, reserved for travelers flying long-haul United Polaris business class or first class and certain Star Alliance premium cabin passengers. It’s located in Terminal C between gates C102 and C120, open daily ~5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This lounge is frequently praised as one of the best in the U.S. for its high-end amenities.
Amenities: As a true premium lounge, Polaris offers restaurant-quality dining, a full-service bar with top-shelf drinks, modern shower suites and even nap rooms with daybeds. There are plenty of seating areas – from productivity pods to relax-and-recharge recliners – all in a sleek, tranquil environment. The lounge’s luxury design and service “shine brighter than almost any airport lounge in the country,” according to one reviewer. It’s an ideal haven for international business travelers to dine, drink, freshen up, or get work done in peace.
Access Methods: The Polaris Lounge’s exclusivity is also its biggest limitation – you cannot access Polaris with memberships or credit cards alone. No day passes or Priority Pass will work here. The only way in is by flying United Polaris business/first class or traveling in long-haul business/first on a Star Alliance partner out of Newark. United elite status or club membership does not grant Polaris access – even top elite flyers must have an eligible premium cabin ticket. Guests are limited as well: a Star Alliance first-class ticket allows one guest, but business-class passengers cannot bring guests.
Credit Card Tips: While no credit card guarantees entry to Polaris, United’s co-branded cards can still enhance your Newark lounge experience. For example, The New United Club℠ Card gives you United Club membership. Also, if you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or similar card with Priority Pass, be aware it won’t help at Polaris – instead, use those cards’ perks at other airports or consider upgrading your flight.
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Kudos pro-tip: If Polaris Lounge access is a must for you, you might redeem miles or upgrades for a Polaris-class ticket – it’s truly a worthwhile experience for a long flight.
Delta Sky Club Newark (Terminal A)
Inside the new Delta Sky Club at EWR Terminal A – a spacious, modern lounge with ample seating and work areas. Delta Air Lines opened this Sky Club in 2023 as part of Newark’s brand-new Terminal A. Located near gate A8 post-security, it’s a 14,000-square-foot lounge designed with both business and leisure travelers in mind. Hours are roughly 5:00 AM to 7:45 PM, aligning with Delta’s flight schedule at EWR.
Amenities: The EWR Sky Club features stylish décor and a variety of seating zones – from communal work tables and semi-private booths to comfy loungers in front of big-screen TVs. Travelers will find productivity stations, fast Wi-Fi, and plenty of power outlets for work. For relaxation, there’s a self-serve buffet with hot and cold dishes, snacks, and a premium coffee station, plus a full-service bar for complimentary beer, wine and cocktails. Though not as extravagant as a Polaris lounge, the Sky Club offers an elevated experience over waiting at the gate. (Note: This lounge does not have showers, given it primarily serves domestic flyers.)
Access Methods: Delta Sky Club access was tightened in recent years, so it’s important to know the rules. You must be flying Delta (or a Delta partner) on the same day to enter – and starting in 2023, entry is allowed within 3 hours of your scheduled departure (layovers excepted).
Here are the main ways to get in:
- Sky Club Membership: Delta sells annual memberships. Members can access any Sky Club when flying Delta. However, buying a membership is expensive; many travelers prefer leveraging credit card benefits instead.
- Elite Status or Premium Ticket: Delta One passengers and SkyTeam Elite Plus status holders flying internationally get Sky Club access included. For example, if you’re a Delta Gold/Platinum Medallion on an international flight, you and a guest can enter. Domestic First Class does not include Sky Club unless you have membership or a card.
- Credit Cards: This is a big one – certain credit cards grant Sky Club access. The Platinum Card® from American Express is a prime example: it gives the cardholder free Sky Club access when flying Delta that day. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card also confers Sky Club access for the cardholder.
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Day Passes: Delta no longer sells one-day passes at the door, so you cannot pay a fee for one-time entry. The only exception is accompanying a member – e.g., if a friend with a membership brings you as one of their two guests. In short, having the right credit card or status is the easiest way to enjoy the Newark Sky Club.
If you have an Amex Platinum or Delta Reserve card, use it to breeze into the Sky Club on your next EWR departure. You’ll save on buying airport food and enjoy a quiet space to make phone calls or send emails before boarding. Plus, the free lattes and snacks can take the sting out of any flight delay!
American Admirals Club Newark (Terminal A)
The American Airlines Admirals Club at Newark features warm, contemporary decor – a comfortable retreat for AA travelers. Newark’s Admirals Club is located in Terminal A, on the mezzanine level across from Gate A8. It’s a relatively new lounge (opened with the renovated Terminal A in 2023) with a cozy, modern design including plenty of natural light. Hours of operation are roughly 4:00 AM to 8:30 PM on most days, aligning with American’s flight schedule at EWR.
Amenities: While smaller than Polaris or even the Delta Sky Club, the Admirals Club provides all the essentials. You’ll find a buffet area with snacks and light bites and a cash bar. For business needs, there are business centers with PCs/printers and plenty of seating with outlets. The décor features wood accents, a faux fireplace, and quiet nooks, creating a lounge that feels upmarket and comfortable. Families will appreciate the relaxed atmosphere – and there’s a small kids’ corner with coloring sheets to keep little ones occupied.
Access Methods: American Airlines offers multiple ways to access Admirals Clubs:
- Day Pass: Anyone flying American or a Oneworld partner can buy a one-day Admirals Club pass for $79. At Newark, day passes are subject to capacity, but if space is available you can purchase at the club reception. Notably, a day pass at EWR can cover your family – it allows the passholder to bring up to 3 children under 18 for free. If you’re traveling with kids and have a long wait, this could be worth it for the snacks and comfortable seating.
- Admirals Club Membership: Frequent AA travelers might opt for an annual membership. Membership grants access to all Admirals Clubs systemwide. Immediate family or two guests can join you in the lounge on each visit. Newark’s club honors these memberships; just show your digital membership card and boarding pass.
- Elite Status or Premium Cabin: Unlike United or Delta, domestic first-class on American does not include Admirals Club access. Only those traveling in Flagship Business/First or Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire elites on international itineraries get in free. Since EWR-AA routes are mostly domestic or short-haul, this method won’t apply to most Newark flyers.
- Credit Cards: The easiest way for many to access Admirals Clubs is via the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. This premium card includes an Admirals Club membership for the primary cardholder. In fact, authorized users on this card also get club access privileges.
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Guest Policy: If you have access via membership or the Citi card, you can bring your spouse/ domestic partner and kids under 18 at no charge, OR any two guests. This makes the Admirals Club a great option for families. For instance, a Citi Executive cardholder can bring their whole family into the lounge before a flight to grab snacks and relax, without extra fees – a big win for parents. By contrast, day pass holders can only bring minors under 2 for free.
Overall Experience: The Newark Admirals Club is ideal for American Airlines flyers who have time before boarding. It’s quieter than the terminal gates and offers personal service – agents at the lounge can often help with ticketing issues or standby lists. While the food is not a full meal, the space to unwind is valuable. If you travel through EWR on American frequently, consider the credit card membership route to make this lounge a regular part of your journey.
If you’re weighing the $79 day pass versus a credit card, remember that the Citi AAdvantage Executive not only pays for itself after a few lounge visits but also earns miles and comes with a TSA PreCheck credit. Through Kudos, you can compare this card’s value to others – for example, if you already have a Priority Pass card, that won’t help at EWR, but the Citi Executive will. Put your credit cards to work so you can travel comfortably without breaking the bank on lounge fees.
FAQs – Newark Airport Lounges
How many lounges does Newark Airport have?
Newark Liberty International Airport has over a dozen lounges spread across three terminals. These include multiple United Clubs (Terminal C and A), the United Polaris Lounge (Terminal C), a Delta Sky Club (Terminal A), an American Admirals Club (Terminal A), as well as several international carrier lounges (like those for British Airways, Lufthansa, SAS in Terminal B). An Amex Centurion Lounge is also under construction (expected 2026).
Can I get into Newark airport lounges with a credit card?
Yes – many Newark lounges offer access via certain credit cards. For example, an Amex Platinum card lets you into the Delta Sky Club (if flying Delta). The Citi AAdvantage Executive card gives full Admirals Club membership, granting entry at EWR’s Admirals Club anytime you fly AA. Priority Pass membership (from cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve) unfortunately won’t find a traditional lounge at EWR, but it can be used for the Be Relax Spa in Terminal A. Meanwhile, United’s Explorer Card offers two free United Club passes each year, which you could use at EWR’s United Club locations. Always check the specific card benefit terms and lounge conditions before you go.
Is the United Polaris Lounge at EWR open to United Club members or day pass holders?
No – the Polaris Lounge is only for eligible business and first class passengers on long-haul international itineraries. United Club members cannot access Polaris. There is also no pay-at-the-door option. If you’re not flying in Polaris class, you’ll have to stick to the regular United Club lounges, even if you have a United credit card or status. The exclusivity is what makes Polaris special – it’s usually less crowded and more premium since it’s reserved for high-end ticket holders.
What’s the best lounge at Newark for a long layover?
If you have a long layover at EWR and qualify for it, the United Polaris Lounge would be best due to its top-notch amenities like nap rooms and showers. However, since most can’t get into Polaris, a great alternative is the United Club in Terminal C. United Clubs accept day passes and cards. If you’re in Terminal A for a long layover, the Delta Sky Club offers decent food and drink to pass the time, and the Admirals Club is solid especially if you have to get some work done. Unfortunately, Terminal B’s independent loungesare landside and not easily accessible during a tight connection – they’d require re-clearing security. So stick to the lounges in your terminal. P
Are Newark Airport lounges kid-friendly?
Generally, yes – though some are better for kids than others. The Admirals Club allows children and even has a policy to let members bring kids under 18 for free, plus the Newark club has a quiet ambiance that’s suitable for families. United Clubs often have a family room or kids’ area. All lounges expect children to be supervised, and very active kids might prefer the open terminal to let off steam. There are no dedicated play zones in these lounges. If traveling with young kids, an Admirals Club or United Clubis a good choice for a bit of space and snacks – and family access policies are accommodating. Delta’s Sky Club permits kids as guests ut can get busy at peak times, which might be less relaxing with little ones.
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